Police Chief Says He'll Be Firm But Fair

COCOA BEACH — Newly named Police Chief Francis Hutson said Thursday he intends to be firm but fair with officers and push for better community relations when he takes over the department Oct. 15.

Hutson, 49, was appointed chief at a city commission meeting Wednesday night, ending a three-month search to replace Chief Robert Wicker, who stepped down in early June.

City personnel director Vince Bellomo has served as acting chief since and began reforms to toughen officer discipline and overhaul department policy.

Hutson is a 27-year law enforcement veteran who has headed a 52-man police department in Greenbelt, Md., the past 2 1/2 years. He earlier served as chief of detectives and supervised 325 officers as an area commander for the Baltimore County Police Department.

Hutson will take over the job at a time when city officials say a department shake-up has helped solve long-running problems in the 35-officer force.

Among Bellomo's reforms have been improvements in written department policy and the institution of a mandatory physical fitness program. He also has suspended some officers for matters such as filing sloppy crime reports.

Hutson said that although he hasn't been given specifics on internal troubles, he believes in facing discipline problems head-on.

''I'm firm but I'm fair,'' Hutson said in a telephone interview. ''If something comes up that needs to be investigated, it will be investigated. If you don't, you'll have other problems down the road.''

Hutson said his first action would be to review the department and decide what policy or manpower questions need to be addressed.

He also said he believes in establishing solid community relations programs, such as Neighborhood Watch groups. He also intends to meet with civic groups to get a better understanding of the worries of residents.

''People have concerns and sometimes they don't bring them up unless you're there,'' Hutson said.